Team Herald
CALANGUTE: Congress workers from the Calangute have called on the state government to take immediate action to address the unchecked dumping of garbage by the Tourism Department’s contractor at the Baga beach. They warned that the issue could ‘damage the region’s reputation as a tourist destination’.
In a formal complaint submitted on Saturday to Dr Roshan Nazareth, Health Officer at Candolim Primary Health Centre (PHC), the Congress Block President, Lourenco Silveira, highlighted concerns over the mismanagement of waste disposal at Baga. Silveira urged the health department to take swift action by conducting an inspection of the affected areas, assessing the associated health risks, and enforcing stricter penalties for negligence in waste disposal.
Following the complaint, Dr Nazareth confirmed that a site inspection will be conducted on Monday.
Earlier this week, the Calangute panchayat had already issued a notice to the Tourism Department, instructing them to clear the dump yard in Tito’s Lane within seven days.
“Improper garbage disposal and a huge dumping site created by the contractor responsible for waste management under the Tourism Department are negatively impacting public health and the environment,” Silveira stated.
They warned that the increasing waste accumulation in key tourist areas has led to unhygienic conditions, attracting pests and raising the risk of disease outbreaks.
“The sight of overflowing garbage bins, ripped-open rubbish bags, improper waste segregation and irregular collection schedules has exacerbated the problem,” the complaint noted,” said the Congmen and urged authorities to take urgent steps to address the situation before it further tarnishes Goa’s image as a leading tourist destination.